Design-Build Procurement Approaches - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 83

the partnering process enabled plant operations personnel to ask questions about
new equipment directly to the vendors.
In addition to partnering, local citizens were involved through a series of neigh-
borhood meetings and an open house at the conclusion of the project. Even though
the project was located in a primarily residential neighborhood, there were virtually
no complaints from residents during construction.
Design-build delivery allows faster and more effective responses to unexpected
construction issues. The proposed sludge lagoon was originally designed as a clay-
lined lagoon. Reynolds was unable to locate a source of clay with low enough permea-
bility to meet MO-DNR requirements. The design was modified to a membrane-lined
lagoon before construction started. After lagoon construction began, however,
unexpectedly high groundwater levels were encountered that prevented excavation
to the designed subgrade. The lagoon configuration was modified to maintain the
same volume and same exterior contours while avoiding the high groundwater. Han-
dling this redesign in a traditional DBB project as change orders would have taken
months. In this DB delivery, the design-builder was able to react immediately to
address the problem without delays from change order management.
Also key to maintaining a strong relationship between the owner and design-
builder is an equitable sharing of risk. This contract included shared “pain/gain”
provisions. The owner and design-builder shared in the savings if the project was
completed under budget but also shared in the additional cost if it was over budget.
The owner required the design-builder to use certain subcontractors but also shared
in the risk for their performance. As an example, Missouri American required the
use of a painting subcontractor that had submitted a very low bid. Unfortunately, that
painter failed to perform and a new painter was hired for the project, and because of
the DB risk allocation arrangement, Missouri American accepted financial responsi-
bility for costs incurred by the failed subcontractor.
Success Outcomes
As part of one of the largest capital improvement projects in Missouri, the Blendville
WTP is first in the state to use UV disinfection. It is also equipped with the high-
est rated drinking water plate settlers in Missouri. The Blendville WTP features
on-site hypochlorite generation (eliminating gas chlorine storage and delivery); and
a liquid lime system (alleviating dry lime maintenance hassles). Construction delays
and costly change orders were avoided. These enhancements prove that DB delivery
produces real project collaboration. The project was completed one month ahead of
schedule and on budget for approximately $28 million.